One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
“Our group,” explains a member, “concentrates on the Twelve Steps. We rarely discuss the Traditions, because we feel that personal guidance for individuals is more helpful to us than pointers relating to the functioning of the group.”
This is warped thinking, for the fact is that the Traditions are essential to the survival and proper functioning of the group through which each individual gets the desired help.
The Traditions tell us, for example, that the officers of a group are its leaders. Guided by the light of Tradition Two, they will not dominate or direct, as sometimes happens when a strong-willed, opinionated member insists on holding office term after term, and makes decisions for the group.
Today’s Reminder:
“Our leaders are but trusted servants — they do not govern.” They serve, but do not control. Al-Anon is a fellowship of equals, and each member should welcome an opportunity to serve. Who, then, provides the authority under which the groups function? Tradition Two says: “For our group purpose there is but one authority, a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience.”
“Everyone should realize that our groping and reaching toward peace of mind depend very much on our attitudes within the Al-Anon group.”